Republicans aim to reverse defense cuts in 2015

Hawkish Republicans oppose the $600 billion in automatic across-the-board spending cuts that kicked in after congressional negotiators failed to find agreement on targeted savings in 2011. Now, they are aiming to use the confirmation hearings for President Barack Obama’s pick to lead the Pentagon to press the nominee on the cuts agreed to by the White House. One senator has even gone so far as to say that he will not vote to confirm the nominee, Ashton Carter, unless he agrees that the cuts need to be reversed.